By Brad Bahr

The more you know about holistic pain relief the better off you will be in the long run. Let us look at some holistic therapies and how they help to combat the big “P”, otherwise known as pain.

Is meditation for pain useful?
Yes, it certainly is. Mediation is much easier to do than the general population actually believes it to be. In fact most people at some point in their lives have used one chosen kind of relaxation in one way or another. When you attempt to manage pain, you meditate by relaxing your mind in order to cope with what you need to. When you take a practical approach to pay attention to your breathing, such as when you engage in deep breathing, you are attempting to take your mind away from any worries or problems and take it to a better place where you are able to relax and be as calm, peaceful and centered as it is possible to be.

What can acupuncture help in my body?
Acupuncture can treat a multitude of health conditions. Some examples are a myriad of respiratory ailments and diseases such as acute sinusitis, acute rhinitis, acute tonsillitis and the common head cold. Acute bronchitis and bronchial asthma are both bronchopulmonary diseases that acupuncture has been shown to have excellent results in improving as well as the pain that often accompanies then. The eye disorders acupuncture helps include acute conjunctivitis, cataract that has no complications, myopia, and central retinitis. The mouth disorders acupuncture helps to include toothaches, gingivitis, pharyngitis, and pain or discomfort that sometimes takes place after a tooth is taken out. The orthopedic disorders acupuncture helps include periarthritis humeroscapularis, tennis elbow, lower back pain, rheumatoid arthritis and sciatica.

Is herbal medicine worthwhile to look into for health problems?
Absolutely. Herbal medicine in the form of herbs have been used for many centuries, dating back thousands of years for their unique ability to help relieve pain. There are different herbs that are recommended for different health problems. For example for spasms and cramps reach for angelica, kava, rosemary, valerian root and cramp bar whereas if nerve pain is your problem then turn to chamomile, capsaicin, licorice, white willow and gotu kola. If you are bothered by back pains then turn to the herbs wood betony, passionflower or hops for relief. For headaches reach for spearmint or peppermint whereas for migraine headaches in general turn to linden, skullcap or feverfew for help. If it is joint pain that is causing you problems then sea cucumber and ginger are what you need to help you through the rough spots.

What is the difference between a Swedish massage and a deep tissue massage?
A Swedish massage can be an effective method of relieving pain. At a massage session a qualified massage therapist will apply special massage oil to the skin and will then use her hands to make long and smooth strokes across the skin. Swedish massage is for the soft tissues of the body. Deep tissue massage on the other hand, reaches deep into the tissues and it is meant for painful and extremely strained and tight muscles that have been that way on a chronic basis. Deep tissue massage is also effective for repetitive strain as well as problems that have developed as a result of bad posture. This form of massage is useful at getting to problems that are connected with connective tissue and the deeper layers of muscles.

Should holistic methods of pain relief replace conventional Western medicine?
Holistic methods of pain relief are best used in conjunction with Western methods as opposed to on their own. Speak to your doctor for greater clarification on this subject.

About the author: Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: Learn More

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By Brad Bahr

If you are not sure if you know enough about holistic medicine for it to be of benefit to you when you are in need of pain relief then read on for some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and their accompanying answers.

What is the number one cause of health problems according to most healthcare providers?
The answer is stress. Stress can cause tension in the muscles, fatigue, anxiety attacks, insomnia, migraine headaches, high blood pressure, depression, heart problems and many other problems. Stress can lead to a great many illnesses.

What is yoga and what is it good for?
Yoga is a holistic therapy that attempts to redirect stress and negative energy and helps to diffuse it so it will not lead to a buildup of stress, which can then cause illness in the human body. Practicing yoga on a consistent basis helps to keep the body in its natural form of balance and it helps to keep an individual’s level of health at its best.

What is shiatsu used to treat?
Shiatsu has been used to treat a number of health problems including anxiety, back pain, headaches, Insomnia, constipation, skin problems and many others. The number one thing shiatsu is good for is decreasing and relieving stress levels as well as relaxing the work of the nervous system and encouraging the immune system and the circulatory systems to work to their absolute best. Any stress related disorder can be greatly helped by the practice of shiatsu. Shiatsu is also beneficial in stimulating the hormone system and also plays a role in stimulating the digestive system and the reproductive system. Shiatsu can help free a person from almost all of the symptoms that accompany many health problems and it is effective at correcting behavioral imbalances in the body as well as postural imbalances that have become chronic.

Is hydrotherapy useful in treating many disorders or not?
The answer is yes it is. Hydrotherapy is an excellent holistic option to ridding an individual of many stress related disorders such as extreme anxiety, tension, and anxiety attacks. Hydrotherapy is also beneficial for those with hyperthermia, pulmonary disease, swollen ankles and varicose veins.

Does chelation therapy work to get rid of pain?
Chelation therapy is believed to be beneficial to those who are suffering from atherosclerosis as well as any other type of chronic degenerative disease that is related to the heart and the overall circulatory system. Chelation therapy is believe to work well because it gets rid of metallic catalysts in the human body that are responsible for the development and growth of free radicals in the body.

How can fasting help my pain?
Fasting is often recommended as a way of cleaning out the body when an individual is suffering from a sickness or has recently recovered from one. Illnesses that are acute are more receptive to the benefits of fasting than are chronic degenerative diseases and these include health problems such as disorders of the colon, respiratory diseases and allergies. By allowing the body a break from digesting food, fasting helps to get rid of toxins as quickly and efficiently as possible, thereby encouraging healing to begin. Fasting is good for the body in general and not just when a person is sick or is going through a low cycle. Fasting on a regular basis provides a rest from work for all of the body’s organs.

About the author: Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: Learn More

Popularity: 70%

By Brad Bahr

In order to prevent inflammation from developing in the body or to discourage the development of more inflammation as well as to decrease your chance of developing a chronic disease, it is essential to eat foods that are anti-inflammatory in nature.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids are extremely effective at fighting inflammation. The omega-3s are found in such foods as flax seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, canola oil, and cold water oily fish such as salmon and mackerel. Making the decision to supplement your diet with either fish oil or flax oil is an excellent way of adding more omega-3 essential fatty acids to your diet and therefore decreasing inflammation. Olive oil is also beneficial in the fight against inflammation. Studies have shown that olive oil is excellent at decreasing the risk of heart disease and it beneficial at fighting pain. Other kinds of oils that fall under the healthy category include grape seed oil, rice bran oil and walnut oil.

Protein is essential for building healthy tissues in the body. Good sources of protein include such foods as fish and other types of seafood, legumes, nuts, seeds and lean poultry. Red meats can be especially high in fat. If you are a red meat lover and don’t want to give it up entirely then instead choose lean cuts of such meats as venison, bison and other kinds of meat of wild game or choose low-fat beef from the grocery store. It is best to look fro beef that is deemed as “grass-fed beef.” Other sources of protein that are excellent when it comes to decreasing pain as well as inflammation in the body include soybeans, soy milk and tofu.

When it comes to carbohydrates obtain these from healthy whole grain sources as well as fruits and vegetables. When you buy breads, cereals and pasta always purchase products that are made with 100 percent whole grains. Whole grains are excellent for health and are chocked full of fiber. Be aware that a diet high in fiber will help to reduce inflammation in the body.

When it comes to vegetables, dark, leafy green vegetables are the best choice and also make sure you eat plenty of fresh fruits. It is recommended that everyone eat at least five, if not more servings of both fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Whole fruits as well as green leafy vegetables are also extremely good sources of dietary fiber, which helps regulate the digestive system, and keeps it running smoothly.

If you read for any type of fruit, berries come out on top. In particular blueberries and strawberries are the best because both are full of antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, which fight diseases and also reduce inflammation in the body. It is the pigments in many fruits, such as berries, as well as many vegetables that is believed to contain a great deal of phytochemicals and to have many properties of an anti-inflammatory nature. To use an example, there is a substance known as quercetin that can be found in apples as well as the skins of red onions and it is believed to have very intense anti-inflammatory powers.

About the author: Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: Learn More

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By Brad Bahr

Ear pain can cause major discomfort to babies, kids and adults. It is especially painful and disturbing when it happens during the night, when all you want to do is sleep. Excruciating ear pain interrupts sleep. You need to end the pain fast, so you can get back to sleep. Here are just a few things that you can do to alleviate ear pain fast.

Ear pain remedy will depend so what on the cause of the pain. Common causes of ear pain are:

Swimming without earplugs. Earplugs prevent water from the pool from getting into your ears. When pool water does enter your ear canal, it brings with it bacteria from others who are in the pool. This bacterium can then cause infection, which can cause ear pain.

The common cold can cause ear pain when it increases the pressure in your ear, which will in turn cause your ear to ache. Another cause of ear pain is when there is pain in another part of the body which is physically related to your ear like when you have a toothache. Your mouth is related to your ear by passageways.

Medications:

Tylenol and ibuprofen can help to relieve ear pain when taken in correct dosage. Over dosing can hurt your stomach and should be avoided.

One thing that can be done immediately is that when you are lying down, do so in such a way that they painful ear is facing upwards.

There are ear drops that are antiseptic in nature that can be purchased at the store in advance so that when earaches strike you have them on hand to use. Follow bottle instructions for proper dosage.

Homemade ear drops can be made using warmed up (not hot) olive, garlic or vegetable oil and applied to the painful ear one drop at a time. You can test the oil to see if is warm or hot by placing a drop of oil on your inner arm, much like you would test a baby’s bottle.

DO NOT APPLY ANYTHING TO AN EAR THAT HAS LIQUID OR PUSS COMING OUT OF IT. You must see a doctor right away if anything is coming out of the ear.

Apply a warm washcloth to the ear and the heat will give some pain relief.

You also need to see a doctor if the ear is swollen, or the pain does not go away within 24 hours.

Babies and young children can be held in an upright position and gently rocked back to sleep. If it is possible, elevate the head of the bed slightly so that the head is slightly elevated and not flat while sleeping. This helps to relieve some of the pressure off of the eardrum and there will be less pain.

In some cases giving Tylenol and a decongestant if the nose is stuffy can relieve the ear pain. The Eustachian tube in the ear can become blocked when the person is suffering from a cold or from allergies.

About the author: Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: Learn More

Popularity: 6%

By Brad Bahr

So many health problems result from stress and stress can be relieved in an easy and inexpensive manner, which is to say by way of deep breathing techniques. There are two kinds of breathing, which is chest breathing and diaphragm breathing. The diaphragm is a muscle that is located in the lower abdominal area and is instrumental in helping to relieve stress through proper breathing methods. Most individuals are taught to breath from their chests but this then causes irregular and shallow breathing that is slow and causes carbon dioxide to leave the lungs too swiftly, which can then create more tension in both the body and the mind. Diaphragm breathing is healthier and more beneficial to the body. When it comes to diaphragm breathing, breathing is even and consistent and more breaths are taken in and can be breathed deeper and more fully into the lungs.

Deep breathing does not just involve the lungs but also the lower ribcage, the back and the stomach. Diaphragm breathing creates a response from the nervous system that is called the “relaxation response” because it makes it possible for the body to be soothed, calmed and relaxed and allows for a sense of peace and well being which is akin to mediation. Life begins with diaphragm breathing as evidenced by the way babies and young children breath. These little tykes breathe from deep down in their diaphragms and they make sure to use the complete ability of their lungs. When you see a baby’s stomach rise when he or she is sleeping it is because the breathing is coming from deep down in the body. This is how nature intended it to be but as we age we tend to become more stressed and this affects how we breathe. Breathing becomes more controlled and restrained and often we do not even realize that we are not breathing as completely as we should be.

The benefits of deep breathing are tremendous and are worth becoming aware of. It is very therapeutic in nature. Deep breathing allows for the supply of oxygen to all organs of the body to be increased and indeed doubled, which makes everything work to its greatest capacity. This allows for a more restful night of slumber, which can do anybody good. Deep breathing exercises are excellent to do after a stressful day to calm you and get you ready to retire for the night. Endorphins are the body’s answer to painkillers in their natural form, and deep breathing makes it possible for endorphins to be released from the brain. Endorphins, which are very closely related to the drug morphine, decrease pain in the body by blocking the pain signals that are sent out from the central nervous system.

Studies have shown that arthritis sufferers, and particularly those who are over the age of 65 and suffer from a multitude of health problems can benefit from deep breathing exercises for many reasons but in particular due to the release of endorphins for pain control. Deep breathing is a very simple and easy way to improve the condition of an individual’s and it takes only a short period of time to learn. Deep breathing promotes improved health in a way that shallow breathing does not. More oxygen is able to circulate in the body when deeper breathing takes place, which is an undervalued benefit of good health.

About the author: Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: Learn More

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